Steve Barr, a Brentwood businessman and accomplished community leader, is an excellent choice to be the new county supervisor in eastern Contra Costa County.

Barr has run a successful business, has chaired various community events, has served on the local school board and currently serves on the Brentwood City Council.

When they endorsed him in the primary election, the East Bay Times said, "... Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr stands out for his measured tone, command of county issues and decade of elected government experience."

Barr came in first of six candidates in the primary election for District Three and faces the runoff in November. The seat is open as a result of the retirement of Supervisor Mary Piepho.

District Three contains eastern Contra Costa County, including Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, and most of Antioch, plus the Tri-Valley community of Blackhawk. (See the map.) The district also includes extensive agricultural lands plus the hills around Los Vaqueros Reservoir.

Steve Barr has lived in Contra Costa County his whole life and in Brentwood since 1981. He and his wife Kathy raised their two kids there.

Steve graduated from Diablo Valley College in engineering. A licensed contractor, he ran a structural concrete business for 35 years.

He coached youth sports teams for many seasons and chaired community events, such as the

1997 Brentwood Cornfest, the 2014 Harvest Time Festival, and the Brentwood Art, Wine, and Jazz Festival.

The Liberty Union High School District Board appointed Steve Barr as a trustee in 2005,

and he won election the next year. He was elected to the Brentwood City Council in 2010

and re-elected four years later.

On the council, Steve has worked on various initiatives to address traffic congestion. He has made public safety a priority, working with the police department for staffing levels that are financially responsible while keeping the community safe.

The East Bay Times pointed out that his experience "provided him strong grounding to confront the county's financial and growth challenges. He's been part of a council that has responsibly managed its finances while directly addressing rising costs for pensions and retiree health care. That city made changes that other communities were unwilling to do."

For Steve Barr a commitment to financial responsibility and community service is not just a campaign slogan, it's his life.

Proposition 54 on the November ballot will open up the state legislative process to let the public see what's going on and to avoid secret last-minute shenanigans by special interests.

The proposition will permit citizens to examine the contents of bills before they are passed, as well as to view the legislative meetings where legislation is prepared, debated, and passed.

Proposition 54 has three straightforward provisions.

1) Each bill must be in print and posted online for at least 72 hours before it may pass out of either house. This will allow legislators and citizens time to review a bill and provide feedback before a vote occurs. Too often, substantive changes are made to legislation at the last minute by a small group and rushed to a vote before most legislators, much less voters, even have a chance to read and understand it.

2) It requires the Legislature to post online a video record of every legislative meeting that is supposed to be open to the public. This would provide citizens the ability to watch legislators prepare, discuss, and vote on bills. Then the citizens could hold their legislators accountable.

The proposition requires that the cost of the videos be absorbed within the existing legislative budget, and this cost would be less than one percent of their total budget, according to estimates by the Legislative Analyst. The State Legislature selectively records public hearings, leaving many completely unrecorded, which limits access to only those who are able to attend the hearings in person. Hundreds of local governments already post videos of all their meetings online. The State Legislature should be held to the same standard.

3) It allows individuals to create and share their own recordings of legislative proceedings. Videos taken on cell phones are now being used every day to share experiences and to call individuals to account for questionable actions. These types of videos of state legislators would be permitted.

Overall, Proposition 54 will help the public have access to the legislative process while reducing the power of special interests in Sacramento. A wide coalition of groups supports passage of the measure. You can find out more on the Yes on 54 website at YesProp54.org.

San Jose City Council District 2 Candidate Steve Brown will hold precinct walks every Saturday (9am-11am) until the Election. All walkers should meet at Panera (near the newer Target in Village Oaks Plaza) where you will disperse in teams.

San Jose City Council District 2 Candidate Steve Brown will hold precinct walks on Thursdays (5:30pm-7:30pm) including Sept. 1, 8, 22. All walkers should meet at Panera (near the newer Target in Village Oaks Plaza) where you will disperse in teams.

On Sunday, September 18, Dev Davis and friends will walk in the City's Viva CalleSJ event, which opens the streets to biking, skating, and walking. See Viva CalleSJ event info.

You can help the Dev Davis for Council campaign stuff candy bags to be distributed during the walk. The date of the candy bag assembly is Tuesday, September 13. Volunteers may come at any time they are available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or until the project is done.

Your help is needed at a neighborhood precinct walk and phone bank for the reelection of the Bay Area's only Republican, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker. Come and help on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday Sept. 18. View the flyer.

Sonoma County volunteers are encouraged to help walk the Rohnert Park area of the 4th Assembly District for candidate Charlie Schaupp. Walks will take place on Saturdays, Sept. 17 and 24, and October 1.

RSVP: Please email Debbie Leboy to let the campaign know you plan to attend, or call (707) 481-7514. Learn more about the candidate on his website.

Your help is needed at a neighborhood precinct walk and phone bank for the reelection of the Democrat's top target, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker. Come and help on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday Sept. 25. View the flyer.

Join the California Dental Association and the Farmers Employee & Agent PAC, along with the Blackhawk Services Company, for an event in support of Assemblywoman Catharine Baker. The event will include live music by local artist Chris Estes.

RSVP: Reply online. You may also contact Erin Wolff at (916) 669-9372 or email erin@aim-point.com. Ticket Prices: $100 per person or $150 per couple; $1,000 - Cadillac Sponsor with more sponsor opportunities. View the invitation for more information.

You are invited to a Meet & Greet with Casey Lucius, candidate for the House of Representatives in CD 20. This is an opportunity to learn more about her campaign and discuss issues of concern to the district.

The Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will hold their General Membership Meeting with guest speaker King City Councilwoman Darlene Acosta. The Councilwoman will discuss issues relating to medical and recreational marijuana, and the November ballot measure Prop. 64. Scholarship recipient Abigail Foster will also announce her educational plans. View the invitation for more details.

RSVP: For more information and to make reservations, email karenleonhard@yahoo.com or call Karen at (831) 385-1333. Cost: $15. Gather at 11:30am; Lunch served as you arrive.

The Monterey Peninsula Republican Women Federated will host a lunch meeting featuring Katy Grimes, Political Analyst, Columnist and Influential Blogger. She will be discussing the Presidential Election and whether California can be saved.

RSVP: Call Sylvia at (831) 484-1104 or email Cindy at mcrp.cin@gmail.com to make reservations by Monday, September 5. Cost: $22 for Members; $25 for Non-members. Social begins at 11:30am; lunch and program at noon.

The Napa Valley Republican Women Federated will host a luncheon meeting with guest speaker Captain Ronald Fry, veteran and author of Hammerhead Six, based on his experience as a Special Forces team leader in eastern Afghanistan.

The Blackhawk Republican Women Federated invite you to an informative evening featuring Carson Bruno, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He studies California public policy, electoral politics, and public opinion. His topic will be "Good Luck Movin' Up cuz I'm Movin' Out! - California's Domestic Migration Problem and Why It Matters."

Attend the September monthly meeting of the East Contra Costa Republican Women Federated. Their speaker will be Terry Turchie, former Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Division of the FBI. His timely topic will be "Trends in Terrorism."

RSVP: $27 per person. Make your reservation by Sunday, September 4 by calling Susan Reinhard at (925) 516-4460.

The Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated invite you to their dinner meeting with guest speaker Brad Dacus, President of Pacific Justice Institute. His focus is on religious freedom and parental rights. Read more about the event.

RSVP: Call Linda Krikorian at (925) 426-1474 or email krikorianpublishing@yahoo.com by Tuesday, September 6. Cost: $30 for TVRWF Members; $34 for Guests. Social begins at 6:30pm; Dinner at 7:00pm.

Join Assemblywoman Catharine Baker for a walk and talk in Lafayette, in partnership with the John Muir Land Trust and Mount Diablo Audubon Society. This gathering is an opportunity to ask questions about legislation impacting parks, the environment, and other issues of importance while enjoying the natural beauty of Acalanes Ridge.

You are cordially invited to a Meet and Greet with Steve Barr, candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor. Hosted by Better Homes Realty, Jeff Mann, Dainty Center, Shawn and Cookie Guinn, Partners in Education Advocacy, and Tiffany Herron-Lumpkin. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to sbarrevents2016@gmail.com.

Jim and Carol Beazley invite you to the historic Beazley House for a Boots, Tiaras and BBQ Party for Napa City Council Candidate Doris Gentry. There will be wines by Paul Stoddard and food provided by Cowboy Chef Jim Maclellan. Tiaras will be provided! Pick up your Doris Gentry yard signs and learn how you can help Doris win in November. View the invitation.

Join the Bay Area Republican Women Clubs in East Contra Costa for an afternoon with author Dinesh D'Souza as he discusses the impact of the Progressive movement in the United States. His most recent book, Hillary's America, was released in November, and the movie was released in July of this year. View the invitation.

The Napa County Republican Party invites you to come enjoy a great BBQ and meet Congressman Tom McClintock and local candidates. View the details.

RSVP: To register, make checks payable to Napa County Republican Party and mail to Post Office Box 3263, Napa, CA 94558. Cost: $40 per person. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and there will be a silent auction and drawing.

The Santa Clara County Republican Party invites you to their Lincoln Dinner with special guest Republican Assembly Leader Chad Mayes. The dinner will also feature other elected officials, candidates, community leaders and Republican activists.

RSVP: Reply and learn more online. Cost: $100 for the Gala Dinner; $250 for the VIP Reception and Gala Dinner with sponsorships available. The VIP Reception begins at 6:00pm; Dinner at 7:00pm.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 / 6:00 pmHome of Russ and Colene Johnson, Address available upon RSVP, San Francisco

The Lincoln Club of Northern California and special guests Sheriff Scott Jones, Candidate for CD 7, and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, Candidate for Reelection in AD 16, will participate in a reception to support the California Republican Party.

The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley welcomes as their next speaker Cam Edwards, the host of NRA News, a daily 3 hour talk show that's "your 1st source for 2nd Amendment news and information." Cam provides what the LA Times calls a "calm and steady voice" on the often emotional issues surrounding gun control. He's also the co-author of Heavy Lifting: Grow Up, Get a Job, Start a Family, and Other Manly Advice.

RSVP: Register online. Cost: 2016 Members - Free; Non-members - $15 online or at the door; $5 for First-time visitors. Doors open at 6:15pm; Program begins at 7:00pm. Learn more on their website.

Join the Nob Hill Republican Women's Club Federated for their dinner meeting with special guest Martin Halloran, President, San Francisco Police Officers Association and 27 year veteran of the SFPD. His topic will be "Blue Lives Matter." View the invitation.

The Santa Clara County Republican Party and Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women host a candidate forum where each candidate has 3-5 minutes to summarize who they are and where they stand on the issues. Then candidates will be asked questions that have been submitted by the audience. 6:00-6:30 social hour - Mingle with the candidates; 6:30 pm - Candidate forum begins and will conclude by 8:30 pm. See details here.

Federal, state, and local candidates will attend. All candidates who wish to participate must confirm their attendance by Friday, September 9 with Izaak Pichardo at Izaak@svgop.com.

Support Dev Davis as she debates her opponent in the San Jose District 6 city council race. Additional candidate forums will be held: September 26 at 6:30 pm October 17 at 6:30 pmLocations will be announced later.

The Lamorinda Republican Women Federated will host a presentation by Dr. Dora Kingsley Vertenten, Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC. Her topic will be "The Secret Social Media and Digital Strategies That Are Making Campaign Volunteers More Important Than Ever for 2016 Elections." View the invitation.

The Commonwealth Club will host a luncheon with guest speaker Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Media; Author, Reviving America: How Repealing Obamacare, Replacing the Tax Code and Reforming the Fed Will Restore Hope and Prosperity. His topic will be "Where Are the Country and Economy Headed?"

RSVP: More information and tickets are available online. Cost: $15 for General Admission; $25 for Non-Members; and $10 for Students; with Premium seating also available. Check in begins 11am; Program at Noon. Signed copies of Mr. Forbes' book will be available for purchase.

The Novato Republican Women Federated will host a luncheon with guest speaker Ward Connerly, Founder & President of the American Civil Rights Institute. His topic will be "Rebuilding America in the Post-Obama Era." As a former member of the University of California Board of Regents, Connerly questioned the University's race-based system of preferences in its admissions policy. Following Connerly's lead, a majority of the Regents voted to end the University's use of race as a means for admission.

The Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women will host their breakfast meeting with guest speaker Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Mr. Rosen and the staff of the District Attorney's office daily manage the challenges of providing justice for the residents within the constraints of the law and budgets. He will discuss the status of crime in the County post-Proposition 47. Learn more.

The Marin Republican Women Federated will host their next luncheon with guest speaker Allison Olson, CFRW Advocate. Her topic will be "An Up-to-the-Minute Analysis of Current California Legislation." View the invitation.

The Piedmont Area Republican Women Federated invite you to their Festive Fall Evening of wine and delicious light fare. Their guest speaker will be Terry D. Turchie on the topic "Terrorism in the U.S.: How can it be contained?" Mr. Turchie joined the FBI in the 1970's and spent many years tracking down criminals and spies for foreign governments. He has co-authored four books, including the award-winning Homeland Insecurity: How Washington Politicians Have Made America Less Safe.

RSVP: Register online or indicate payment will be by check. Cost per person is $35. Questions? Contact Helen De Vol at elenute@earthlink.net or call (510) 339-0338.

The Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women invite you to Make Silicon Valley Great Again! Join their Patriot Party to benefit San Jose City Council candidates Steve Brown and Dev Davis. Enjoy appetizers and wine and the company of like-minded conservatives.

Entry to the event is a donation of $25 or more per person to one of their endorsed candidates for San Jose City Council: Steve Brown, San Jose District 2 or Dev Davis, San Jose District 6. View the invitation.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced the schedule earlier this year. While it could be subject to change, the first debate is planned to take place in New York. It will be divided into six 15 minute segments on major topics to be selected by the moderator and announced one week prior to the debate.

The moderator will open each segment with a question, after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. Candidates will then have an opportunity to respond to each other. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a deeper discussion of the topic.

The Piedmont Area Republican Women Federated invite you to their Presidential Candidate Debate Watch Party. Be among like-minded friends as you watch Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton face off on the important questions of this election. Taco bar and quesadillas with no host bar will be available.

RSVP: Registration is required online or by indicating payment by check. Cost per person is $30. Questions? Email Sue Caro at sue@suecaro.com.

The San Mateo County Trump for President campaign invites you to watch the Presidential Candidates in their first debate. Whether you're Republican, Conservative, Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian, come and root for your candidate.

Join the San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated as they host a luncheon featuring political activist Stephen Frank. His topic will be "Election Cycle Analysis including National and California Politics & Ballot Measures." View the invitation for more information.

RSVP: Reply by Friday, September 23 to srvrwf.lunch@gmail.com or call (925) 820-0774. Cost: $35 per person. Social begins at 5:30pm; Cocktail Reception and Appetizers at 6:00pm.

Join the Santa Rosa Republican Women Dinner with featured speaker Brenda Schmale, President of the NRA Members' Council of Sonoma County. Her topic will be "Gun Rights and the Second Amendment." Also speaking will be Charlie Schaupp, Candidate in the 4th Assembly District. View the invitation.

Hosts Michael Klassen and Billie Faulker invite you to a special cocktail reception in support of Vince Fong, candidate for Assembly District 34. For nearly a decade, he has served as district director for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

CreaTV and the League of Women Voters will host a Candidate Forum for San Jose City Council Districts 2, 6 and 8. Be sure to watch for Dev Davis (District 6) and Steve Brown (District 2) as they debate their opponents.

The Forum will be broadcast on CreaTV's Valley Politics throughout the month of October, and it will appear on their website.

Calendar

This section contains information on county committee meetings, club meetings without a speaker, grassroots activities, etc.

Volunteers are needed for voter registration activities at the Monterey County Republican Party booth at the Monterey County Fair. Contact Cindy at Cindy@MontereyRepublicans.org if you can help. Fair info.

The Napa County Republican Party looks forward to seeing you at their monthly meetings, normally held on the second Tuesday of the month. Come early and order a great pizza or salad. Contact: Glenn Ellen Smith by email or call 707-255-1097.

The monthly meeting of the Santa Clara County Republican Party. Normally the second Wednesday of the month. Hear about the latest Republican news and events in Santa Clara County. This month there will be a candidate forum before the meeting. Pre-meeting social with candidates 6:00 pm; Candidate Forum 6:30; Committee Meeting to follow. Questions? Contact HQ at director@svgop.com or 408-246-6600.

The Marin County Republican Central Committee will hold their monthly meeting at their Victory Headquarters (location still TBD) set to open soon. Meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of each month. Members of the public are welcome. Call 415-446-4111 for more information.

The San Francisco Republican Party will hold their 2016 Lincoln Reagan Dinner with special guest Allen B. West, American political commentator, former member of the United States House of Representatives, and retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel. View the invitation. Sponsorships and tickets will be available in August.

The second Presidential Debate will take place in Missouri in the form of a Town Hall Meeting. Half of the questions will be posed directly by citizen participants, and the other half will be posed by the moderator based on topics of broad public interest as reflected in social media and other sources.

The California Republican Party State Convention will take place Friday-Sunday, February 24-26, 2017. This is the CRP's organizing convention, where new officers will be elected by the delegates. There will also be speakers, workshops, hospitality suites and a general session. For more information, contact the CRP Convention Team at info@cagop.org.